Anyone know where to find a ignition ON hot wire (12v) inside the car? I would like to install a dash cam. In previous years, I pigtailed off of the 12v port (e.g. cigarette lighter). In the 2018 I cannot figure out how to remove the trim pieces to get to the back of the port. Thanks.

Filibuster wrote:Anyone know where to find a ignition ON hot wire (12v) inside the car? I would like to install a dash cam. In previous years, I pigtailed off of the 12v port (e.g. cigarette lighter). In the 2018 I cannot figure out how to remove the trim pieces to get to the back of the port. Thanks.

There is 12V on the mirror. Google "mirror tap". I got a small 12v to usb converter and tapped it there. If I member correctly it has both constant 12V and one that powered with the car.

Filibuster wrote:I just pulled down the overhead console. I don't see a connection for the powered mirror (which I do not have on the "S") up there.

Sorry, in this case you need to find a service manual with wiring. My last two cars both powered from the mirror, you can try to route power from 12V socket on the dash as a simplest option. Overhead lights usually have only constant 12V power, not good for the dash cam.

For any interested, this is how/where I tapped power for my dash cam...camera comes on with door open and goes off with push button stop. After several minutes, the power turns off altogether till door is either unlocked or opened. Works for me. This is not powered 24/7 as some might need.

Decided I wanted a 12v hot wire inside the car for not only the dash cam but anything else that might come along. I ran a heavy 12ga wire from the battery thru the firewall and terminated it in an under dash cigarette lighter socket. It's easy to find a suitable ground down there...lots of firewall studs poking out.

edorfox wrote:For any interested, this is how/where I tapped power for my dash cam...camera comes on with door open and goes off with push button stop. After several minutes, the power turns off altogether till door is either unlocked or opened. Works for me. This is not powered 24/7 as some might need.

Ed

What's the trick to removing the overhead console from the headliner?Is it the same as the Gen 1 Leaf, pull down on the front till it pops and then pull forward?